Tarik Skubal is the best pitcher available and the most consequential client Scott Boras has this winter. He is also working against a clock. The collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1.
Owners are expected to lock out the players the next day, and suitors must choose between spending now and waiting for rules nobody has seen. MLB insider Mark Feinsand went back to the last work stoppage for the template.
Boras clients have a reputation for letting the market come to them, but five years ago two of his biggest names signed with the Texas Rangers before the 2021-22 lockout. Corey Seager got 10 years and $325 million, and Marcus Semien seven years and $175 million.
